During puberty, individuals who mature early are likely to exhibit which of the following?

During puberty, individuals who mature early are likely to exhibit which of the following?

• A. More intellectual curiosity
• B. Problem behavior, such as drug use
• C. Less depression and anxiety
• D. Less frequent temper tantrums

Answer: (B)

When puberty comes early, physical development pulls a teen into social worlds and expectations that are more aligned with older peers. That shift increases exposure to situations where risk-taking is more common, including experimenting with drugs and other problem behaviors. At the same time, the teen’s emotional and cognitive control systems are still maturing, so resisting pressure and regulating impulses can be harder. Put together, these factors help explain why early maturers show a higher likelihood of engaging in problem behaviors like drug use. Other options don’t align as well with this pattern. Intellectual curiosity isn’t reliably tied to being an early maturer, and while mood issues can occur, early puberty isn’t consistently linked to less depression and anxiety. Temper tantrums are not characteristic of adolescence in this context.

When puberty comes early, physical development pulls a teen into social worlds and expectations that are more aligned with older peers. That shift increases exposure to situations where risk-taking is more common, including experimenting with drugs and other problem behaviors. At the same time, the teen’s emotional and cognitive control systems are still maturing, so resisting pressure and regulating impulses can be harder. Put together, these factors help explain why early maturers show a higher likelihood of engaging in problem behaviors like drug use.

Other options don’t align as well with this pattern. Intellectual curiosity isn’t reliably tied to being an early maturer, and while mood issues can occur, early puberty isn’t consistently linked to less depression and anxiety. Temper tantrums are not characteristic of adolescence in this context.